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At OU Medicine, our mission is leading health care. Our vision is to be the premiere enterprise for advancing health care, medical education and research for the community, state and region. Through our combined efforts we strive to improve the lives of all people.

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The College of Medicine is the largest component of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and is at the center of OU Medicine. Our mission is leading health care - in education, research and patient care.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Breast

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is an imaging test. It uses strong magnets and radio waves to make pictures of the inside of the breast. It also makes images of the tissues that surround the breast. Breast MRI is used to check for problems, such as a leaking breast implant or a lump or growth. It can also be used to help find breast cancer. It can help with diagnosis and management. Most MRI tests take 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on the type of MRI you are having, the test may take longer. Give yourself extra time to check in.

Before your test

Follow any directions you are given for taking medicines and for not eating or drinking before the test.

You may be asked to remove your makeup. Makeup may contain some metal.

MRI uses strong magnets. Metal is affected by magnets and can distort the image. The magnet used in MRI can cause metal objects in your body to move. If you have a metal implant, you may not be able to have an MRI unless the implant is certified as MRI safe. People with these implants should not have an MRI:

Ear (cochlear) implants

Certain clips used for brain aneurysms

Certain metal coils put in blood vessels

Most defibrillators

Most pacemakers

The radiologist or technologist may ask you if you:

Have had stereotactic breast biopsy

Have a pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator

Have an artificial body part (prosthesis)

Have metal rods, screws, plates, or splinters in your body

Wear a medicated adhesive patch

Have tattoos or body piercings. Some tattoo inks contain metal.

Have implanted nerve stimulators or medicine-infusion ports

Work with metal

Have braces

Have a bullet or other metal in your body

Tell the radiologist or technologist if you:

Are allergic to any medicines

Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

Are afraid of small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobic)

Have had previous surgeries

Tell your healthcare provider and the technician if you:

Have ever had an imaging test such as MRI or CT with contrast dye

Are allergic to contrast dye, iodine, shellfish, or any medicines

Have a serious health problem. This includes diabetes or kidney disease, or had a liver transplant. You may not be able to have the contrast material used for MRI.

Are pregnant or may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding

During your test

You may be asked to wear a hospital gown.

You may be given earplugs to wear if you desire.

You may be injected with contrast through an IV line in your hand or arm. This is a special dye that makes the MRI image sharp. You may need this, depending on the reason for your exam.

You’ll lie on a platform that slides into a tube-like machine called a scanner. You’ll be on your stomach with your breasts placed through openings in the platform.

Remain as still as you can while the camera takes the pictures. This will ensure the best images.

After your test

You can get back to normal activities right away.

If you were given contrast, it will pass naturally through your body within a day.

Drink lots of water so that the dye passes quickly out of your body.

Getting your results

Your healthcare provider will discuss the test results with you during a follow-up appointment or over the phone.